From Ijeoma John,Nnewi
Former Minister of Labour and Employment under President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration from 2015 to 2023,Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige has bagged a chieftaincy title from Nnewi Monarch, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr K.O.N Orizu lll.
Dr Ngige,who was the Executive Governor of Anambra State from 2003 to 2006 was conferred with “Otiwarauzo na Nnewi ” title during the 2024 Ofala Festival of Igwe Nnewi lll which took place on 28th of December, 2024 at the Igwe’s palace in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Speaking during the occasion,Dr Ngige said the title was offered to him in 2007 Ofala festival, because he was desirous to go into Senate,he didn’t accept it.He said he waited until he completed his active public service as a Minister before accepting it.
Dr Ngige said he was given the title “Otiwarauzo na Nnewi “which means road builder because of the roads he constructed in Anambra State especially in Nnewi when he was in the office as the Governor of Anambra State.
He revealed that his administration initiated the construction of road from Adazi to Nnewi which was in bad shape.Ngige said they continued the construction from Nnewi to Ihembosi,then to Okija which was impassable then.
He further disclosed that they encountered Mmiri Ele,bank road to hundred foot road which they constructed and awarded Onitsha Expressway to Oba before they left office.
Speaking on security, Ngige said “security is money,if you spent money, you will get security under control whether it is national or sub- national”.
He further revealed that when he was the Governor of Anambra State, he equipped police and State Security Service (SSS) with adequate security gadgets and good remuneration to secure the State.
Ngige disclosed that his administration empowered youths especially those hopeless ones that think about nothing except how to commit crime and employed them with good remuneration to keep their minds away from crime.
For security to be restored, Ngige advised the government to employ the youths together with the Non State Actors, empower them with skills and give them hope to be good citizens.
He thanked the Igwe and his entire cabinet for honoring him with the title and prayed that normalcy would be restored in Anambra State in terms of security and electricity adding that these two would enhance bountiful productivity in the State.